Sea otters, harbor seals and an array of seabirds makes the protected water of Elkhorn Slough our most popular sea kayaking
destination. We'll explore the Slough's rich tidal waterways learning about its unique ecology.

This is an ideal trip for wildlife enthusiast and those new to the sport of kayaking. First time kayakers welcomed.

T0 REGISTER: email Kim Powell at: bluewaterventures@sbcglobal.net

You will receive a confirmation if space is available;

Please do not arrive in Moss Landing unless you have been confirmed as we will not have a boat for you to use

This superb wildlife excursion will be offered by Blue Water Ventures on the following dates in 2013 with best tides in mind for a morning and/or afternoon departure.

(please note that times in red ink have sold out and are no longer available but check back as availability is subject to change)

Check for upcoming dates in 2013

To register email Kim Powell at: bluewaterventures@sbcglobal.net

Trip details below:

Dear Sea Kayakers:

I would like to welcome you to our kayaking adventure in Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary. The protected water of the Slough is an ideal place to observe some of California's finest coastal resources. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and an array of birds can be seen at close range. With 90% of California's wetlands lost to development, Elkhorn Slough offers a special opportunity to observe a biologically rich and critically endangered habitat.

To confirm your place on this trip, please send a check in the amount of $60 adults/$50 children (ages 8 and older) made payable to Blue Water Ventures to: 127 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. If paying by check or via pay pal, refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 14 days in advance of trip date.

Groupon users may change their date preference with at least 14 days notice prior to trip date. Please send us your groupon number to secure your place on the roster and be sure to check your groupon expiration date before booking. Your groupon is good for one person on our naturalist-led kayaking program.

Space on the roster is guaranteed when payments are received and in the order that we receive them. Trip is subject to cancellation if less than 6 people are confirmed on the roster but you have the option to select another date. Our naturalist-led tours do not exceed 22 people plus guides.

You may also pay for the trip using a Card Credit via Pay Pal. Please visit ourPayment Centerfor instructions. Blue Water Ventures T-shirts and Visors are available for sale on the day of your trip.

If you have a great time on the water, please consider a small gratuity for your Blue Water Ventures guides.

Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Hwy One) at 9:00am for our morning tour or 1:15pm for our afternoon tour. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. We expect to be back at the launch area by12:30pm (morning tour) or 4:30pm (afternoon tour) giving us a full 2 1/2 hours on the water.

As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions we can offer:* Dress in layers -- Fleece, capilene, silk or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on if cool weather (fog) approaches; a sweatshirt is adequate.* Long pants or shorts- sweat pants that can be rolled up work well; an outer shell of nylon material dries quickly, but jeans get soggy and are not recommended.* Wind breaker or paddling jacket* Footgear - tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties -- any style is fine; they will get wet as you wade in to launch your boat.* Hat with visor for sun protection* Water bottle* Snack in a compact lunch bag or ziploc--take in boat with you* Sunscreen and lip balm* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash * Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk); disposable cameras work well.* Small, compact daypack (optional)* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car

That covers the logistics for your Seals and Sea Otter Watch by Kayak! For those paying Blue Water Ventures directly via check or pay pal, full refunds will be given if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather (high winds or rain; not light mist or fog). You may also apply your payment as a credit to a future trip.

Groupon users may apply their coupon to a future trip if inclement weather cancels our trip ( high winds or rain; not light mist or fog).

Waivers will be discussed and signed before launching our boats. You may download a waiver, complete it and bring with you or we will have a supply with us. We are looking forward to our adventure together in the Slough!

* TURN RIGHT AT BAJA POTTERY/ MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS 2360 HIGHWAY ONE
you will pass Moss Landing State Beach, then Kayak Connection; it takes about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz; this right turn takes you into Moss Landing North Harbor.

* MOSS LANDING NORTH HARBOR LAUNCH RAMP
The public boat launch area is behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Highway One); park behind MBK in the public boat launch area. When you arrive, you will need to pay your $3.75 parking fee. Your Blue Water Ventures guides will have your parking permits to leave in your car. You will need $3.75 in dollars or coins when you check in with them.

We will be unloading the trailer from a blue toyota sequoia at the boat ramp directly behind Monterey Bay Kayaks in North Moss Landing Harbor.

NOTE
as you're heading south you'll see the Moss Landing power stacks on the left side of the highway; if you go over the bridge and pass these stacks you've gone too far.